The MultiChoiceGripper draws inspiration from the opposing thumb of a human hand. Like its natural role model, the future concept combines different types of gripping. Its fingers can therefore be switched over so that they can grip in either a parallel or centric manner – without requiring any conversion.
A simple redirection is used as the kinematics for changing the direction of grip. A pull–push bar transfers the force to the holders on the two rotatable finger elements. These change the finger position accordingly. Either all fingers then point to a centre, or two fingers can be arranged next to each other with the third finger opposing them and fulfilling the function of the thumb, thus enabling parallel gripping.
A pneumatically operated mechanical locking system fixes the finger elements in their respective end positions.
However, the MultiChoiceGripper is not only variable in the direction of grip; the adaptive fingers with Fin Ray® structure adapt themselves flexibly to a wide variety of shapes. Like a fish fin, the structure does not give way under lateral pressure but instead bends around the pressure point. The MultiChoiceGripper can therefore grip differently shaped and also very sensitive objects without additional sensors or control technology.
Besides the Fin Ray® fingers, two other types of fingers can be attached to the MultiChoiceGripper. Depending on requirements, between two and six finger elements can be fitted to the modular gripper.
There are possible applications wherever many different objects are gripped – for example, in assistance robotics, assembly tasks or production facilities where various products are made. Until now, robots and handling gantries often had to be equipped with different grippers. This work would no longer be necessary with the technology of the MultiChoiceGripper.